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Tuesday, 29 July 2014

Far Better Man Than I Am

For regulars, you will note I have an internal turmoil at the moment, with wanting to make the world a better place but not knowing how to go about it. I truly believe it is our duty to take responsibility for the world we've created but we seem to have lost our way.

I was saddened to read a truly selfless hero passed away today. The news article is here and the story is that of Sheik Umar Khan. While caring for patients stricken with Ebola, he contracted the disease and died a week later, at the age of only 39.

Ebola has been claiming hundreds of lives in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone since the outbreak in February. It is a highly contagious horrific disease, and there is no cure. The medical staff and aid workers caring for these patients know the risks they are taking. I can't express the admiration I hold for them, in their ability to still turn up and help.

Sheik Umar Khan was the only specialist in viral haemorrhagic fevers in Sierra Leone, so the loss is great medically, but also a tragedy for an exceptionally brave and generous human.

If religious, please pray for the millions of citizens in those countries at risk, and the wonderful men and women who are risking everything to help those in dire need.

If keen to help, there are links to donate to Medcins Sans Frontiers, Map International or send me the details of other organisations on the ground in those countries to add here. This is not a sponsored post, I am just greatly moved by the news and I thought the world should know of the sacrifice some people make for others.

Wanting to make the world a better place and not knowing what to do about it, I feel, is more common than we may think. Thank you for sharing your compassion in this piece. Each of us has a unique role to play in the 'bigger scheme' of things and Sheik Umar Khan (bless him) carried out his role courageously and honorably. I'm a firm believer in 'everything happens for a reason' even though some things in life appear to be so cruel. Praying for a better world is just one way we can all assist this process of change... yet, there is no need to be religious. Having faith in something greater than ourselves is enough. Blessings ♥

Seems like we're on the same page today... I hesitated to press publish on my post, but now that i've been moved to tears by yours , i'm glad i did. The reminder that it's our responsibility to make the world a better place can never get redundant.

It's terrifying how the news of Ebola is filling the papers. I had not heard about this man - what a tragedy. Africa is too often, someone elses problem. Donating to the medical teams is a very sensible move. X

I heard the authorities are worried about a plane that left Liberia and landed in London carrying someone who was infected with Ebola and that they can't contact all the passengers. I'm not scare mongering Lydia but I believe it's true. The most difficult thing is that there's a 21 day incubation period with no symptoms but you're still contagious. Any medical staff who work in these hot spots are brave beyond description. Thank you for this compassionate post.

The Ebola virus scares me! I can't imagine how people living in those areas are feeling with the threat of it spreading. Such a sad story to and we need to keep the medical professionals in our prayers too because they do an amazing work while putting their lives on the line.

Lydia, I've been trying to get my head around this, this week. We live such insulated lives, compared to countries stricken by war and the overflow that often is disease. These brave people are giving their lives, literally in this case, and we can easily overlook it.The threat of ebola is truly terrifying.

Like Lisa, I've found myself struggling with the headlines over the past couple of weeks, and then today I was profoundly moved and disturbed when a photo of two deceased child victims of the UNICEF bombing in Gaza popped up in my Twitter feed. Then there's MH17, the ebola outbreak... We really are unbelievably lucky to have been born free in our corner of the world.

So much pain and suffering in the world. It seems such a shame that it takes death and destruction for the world to take notice. I am blessed to have the life I do. Thank you for bringing this to light xx